Grand Circle Travel Reviews

Cons

I have no cons to express at this time.

Cons

the computer systems is old

Cons

Always have OT
Way to many changes

Cons

Although the company lists the open communication as the core value of the company, it doesn't practice it itself. The promotion, organization changes are very arbitrary and way too political in nature.

Cons

Read every comment on this board and you’ll understand the negativity, harassment and toxicity of the company. In order to really change this environment, a band of people who have the courage need to go public with the travesty of Grand Circle. It’s time to expose the place for what it is. Call a local media outlet, I bet they would jump on the story to be told. This also will expand the troubles of this visible company to many of its customers.

If you don’t take action, the same thing will continue to happen.

Cons

While I appreciate my hiring manager taking a chance on someone like me, with little to no experience in my desired position, it's indicative of a huge problem: Grand Circle is so toxic that they lose any employee with talent and can't recruit qualified prospects. From the top down, very few people know what they're doing. Insecurity causes most managers and employees here to be cruel and lash out (a behavior which is modeled after the childish psychopath who's in charge of the company).

The fortunate quit of their own volition. On the other hand, many rising stars are eventually promoted into positions for which they have no qualifications. For a short while, they can do no wrong. Then they inevitably make a mistake and are shown the door—sometimes violently. I'm not joking; the CEO has gotten physically violent while firing people.

If you are an ambitious person, it may be tempting to come to a company where the pay is high and people get promoted so frequently. I'll warn you: when it comes time to find your next job, you'll lack the necessary skills and qualifications to be hired anywhere else, because Grand Circle is operating as if it's still 1995. Absolutely STAY AWAY if you're in the marketing field. They still haven't moved on from direct mail, for crying out loud. Your career is not worth risking for this place.

Cons

Oversell and under deliver on Corporate culture and compensation - cult/fraternity type management doesn't know what they're doing

Cons

The place is an organizational mess. Bunch of yes-men in charge with no management skills. Can't put into words how ridiculous and delusional the owner is. Constantly intimidates employees and feels the need to put down any differing beliefs. Terrifying that a company that operates in this manner actually exists. No matter how desperate you may be, I would avoid taking a job here.

Cons

To prospective employees: while my instinct is to say “don’t’” or “run” like the legitimate reviews here, here is my advice if this place is currently your best option like it was mine. You could have a decent experience at GCC for a little while, especially if you have a manager who protects you from the inherently toxic culture, but keep your resume updated. Know when it’s time to reclaim your autonomy/self-respect and leave of your own volition. Every day people joke about the negatives- how easy it is to get fired, the owner’s temperament, even how many desks you’ve sat at due to constant reorgs, but at one point the cognitive dissonance wears off and it’s just not funny how miserable everyone is. Few have managed to stay for years while remaining level-headed, compassionate, and humble, and I honestly congratulate them while counting them on one hand.

The People and Culture department (HR) does a great job considering the Sisyphean work they’re tasked with, so when I say culture I’m not blaming them. I’m referring to the fear/intimidation techniques employed by the upper management that trickles down to through each tier of associates beneath them. Hardworking but completely inexperienced people are catapulted into inflated titles and positions of leadership if they speak the Grand Circle cult language and cozy up to the right upper management. Underqualified but brimming with hubris, they then run teams into the ground, and proceed to jump to new ones before accepting any blame.

The “values” of GCC are contradicting and set you up to fail. “Open and Courageous” communication encourages associates to be unnecessarily rude, demanding, and often downright cruel to other. The attitude stems from the frequent temper tantrums of the owner, who is a childish bully and puppet master. His calculated intimidation tactics are darkly fascinating to witness. This review is long enough without citing the myriad of examples of management’s abuse, but find any of the reviews about this year’s Businessworks skit fiasco. It was almost six months ago and he’s still punishing the entire company for his own embarrassment (taking away perks, bonuses, outings, etc).

The pros of working at GCC (meet some great people, learn a lot, potential to travel, fantastic Wellness program and benefits, a really cool product) are heavily outweighed by the cons. This place will challenge your integrity. Just be prepared and know your worth.

Cons

Call center treated like separate company not given same opportunities as other departments for advancing career.
If you do not go out with the "in crowd" and get smashed after work you will not get far
People are promoted based on favoritism not talent
Metrics and managers change daily so good luck succeeding at them